Operational Report2006 – 2010

Compiled by Huy SamboOperational Manager, CWF

Conversations with Foreigners

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Contents Organisational Profile 3

Our History 4

Message from Mao Savin: Co-founder

and Chair of the Board of Directors 7

Message from Huy Sambo: OperationalManager 9

About the Team: 11

CWF Board Members and Founders 11

About the Team: 14

CWF Executive 14

About the Team 16

Our Fifth Year Anniversary 19

Volunteer Department 20

Admin and Finance Department 21

Academic Department 22

Social/Cultural Activities and Human Resource Development 23

Financial Review: 2006-2009 28

Partnership 31

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Organisational Profile

Our vision is for a self-sufficient Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT) working to improve livelihoods with rural communities in Cambodia.

Our mission is to provide conversational English-language courses and support quality volunteer experiences whilst raising money for CRDT’s program.

Our model is to operate as a socially ethical organization committed to a sustainable model of learning and cultural exchange. CWF exists to raise money for CRDT’s important development work in rural North-East Cambodia and all profits are given to this local NGO. As an LNGO in civic society, it is essential that revenue for CRDT is raised through activities that contribute positively and constructively to the specific rural communities.

There is a thirst for learning in Cambodia, especially for young people. In combining the opportunity for local learners with the opportunity for learning about and understanding cultural differences, CWF provides two distinct services:Conversational English Language Centre

CWF operates a conversational English language centre for Cambodian students in Phnom Penh. The name ‘Conversations With Foreigners’ is a translation from Khmer. CWF provide affordable, 10 week courses which create a fun, informal learning environment with relevant conversational topics and foreign volunteer teachers.Volunteer In Cambodia Program

CWF operates a volunteer program that provides an opportunity for foreign volunteers to learn about and experience life in Cambodia for 13 weeks. The experience includes: teaching a 10-week teaching placement at the CWF School; a week holiday coinciding with a national public holiday; and a 10 day orientation. The orientation includes the opportunity to visit the CRDT office in Kratie Province and then experience living with a Cambodian family for a night at one of CRDT’s project sites.

Conversations With Foreigners (CWF) is a conversational English

language centre in Phnom Penh. Through the Volunteer in

Cambodia program, CWF recruits international volunteer teachers

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Our History The inspiration for an English school with courses taught by international volunteers began in mid-2005, when Mao Savin, a founding member of the Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT), and his friend Geordie Smith, who was currently volunteering as a teacher at the Maharishi Vedic University (MVU) in Prey Veng, were brainstorming ideas for a social enterprise initiative to raise money for CRDT’s rural development projects. In early 2005, there were concerns about the sustainability of CRDT as their funding was haphazard and extremely difficult to secure. Over a breakfast of rice with pork and iced-coffee with sweet milk, they designed the successful model of CWF.

The business plan for the school was then written by Geordie, with assistance from Gerry Nugawela, a management consultant. This plan was then partially funded through the Australian Government’s AusAID VIDA program, who had agreed to sponsor Geordie. A private donor gaveUS$5,000 of funds for the initial start up of the CWF School. A further US$5,000 was provided by Geordie in the form of a personal loan and consequently, from April 2006, the registration of the school was underway and payments were made for volunteer house and for the bond for the school.

The CWF Board of Directors was established and then in July 2006, even before his graduation from MVU in Prey Veng, Huy Sambo became the manager of CWF. The first CWF teachers, Jacob Rorabaugh, Kate Warby and Johann Slabbert, arrived when CWF was in its infancy to help promote the school with the CWF staff. Then in September 2006, 180 students had registered and the first classes began. In October 2006, Alice Jowett, another former MVU volunteer, funded herself for a one year assignment, to assist Sambo and his team in a number of areas including creating a volunteer management process and a much needed development of learning resources. Then in September 2007, Sally Beaumont, a volunteer sponsored by AusAID through the AYAD programme, began her one year assignment to continue this work. Another important volunteer during the establishment of CWF was Willem Paling, an Australian IT consultant who volunteered to design and create the CWF website. This website would prove to be crucial in the recruitment of international volunteer teachers.

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Gradually more teachers were recruited which enabled an increase in the number of classes available for students; the number of students rose to over 500 in 2008. With its early success, CWF was able to pay back initial start up loans, secure its future and make the first donation to CRDT. When Geordie and Sally departed in September 2008, one of the fundamental goals of its founders was realized; CWF was completely managed by Cambodian staff. This is credit to the young team of 14 staff, led by Huy Sambo, Mak Ny, Hour Sopheap and Sok Channrasmey.

However, this was not the end to CWF development initiatives, as in 2008, Neal Evans created the CamTEFL programme to work alongside the school in order to enable volunteers to complete this training course before volunteering for three months. CamTEFL became an accredited Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate course and proved popular with both aspiring international and local teachers.

Then in December 2009, three years since CWS was first established, the school was able to relocate to a larger premise. This opportunity was possible owing to the significant successes since its inception. This new location enables the CWF School to house a greater number of students and volunteers, in a more comfortable and suitable teaching environment. The school also has the space for a large staff room for group planning, offices for the staff and a meeting room for important occasions.

The continued success of CWF would also not be possible without the dedication and support from previous volunteers. The previous volunteers continue to work and live in Phnom Penh which thus enables them to be involved with the orientation programme and provide a large support network for new volunteers. These volunteers include Thomas Baker, Helena Rattcliff, Anna Spencer, Sara Biddle, Carrie Haskell, Sarah French, David Picart, Laura Hodges. Additionally, support for both teacher training and for management is also readily available from advisers, Rod Bourke, Geordie Smith, Willem Paling, Joan Brook and Alice Jowett, most of whom were involved with CWF from its initial inception.

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The history of CWF is one of hard work and determination, but now after almost five years, the school is still evolving and developing as both an EFL organization and in the provision of funds to CRDT. Under the guidance of the Board of Directors, the support of previous volunteers and the enthusiasm of the team, CWF continues to grow and to flourish as a reputable NGO organization, providing affordable English courses and a quality volunteer experience.

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Message from Mao Savin: Co-founder

and Chair of the Board of

Directors

Founded amidst a critical era in the development of Cambodia, CWF is a shining example of an educational practice with a far-reaching, sustainably transformative impact throughout and beyond a community of more than 200 volunteer teachers from around the world; thousands of Cambodian students; young, striving Cambodians trained as staff; and poor villages supported by the Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT), a Cambodian-run NGO to which CWF donates profits.

With a highly organised, creative local staff practicing wise investment, innovation, and inclusion, CWF has achieved remarkable success. Its very structure engenders an unusual sense of shared purpose and pride among students, staff, directors, and teachers. More than a school, CWF is a bustling center of intensive, constructive cultural exchange in which the teaching of real-world English, a key development tool in today’s Cambodia, is just the start of CWF’s radiating, transformative impact.

CWF’s success is not accidental. It derives from visionary leadership and dedication of staff and volunteers at all levels. In addition, CWF operates with clear principles, a shared vision and mission. At CWF, we believe in following core values:

Applying a business approach in development practice. We believe the best way to run a development organisation is to run it like a business entity and long-term development goal is only achieved through the practice and presence of businesses throughout the economy.

People are critical resources to ensure the success of the organisation. We believe without our competent and dedicated people, we would have not achieved anything. To get the best out from our people, we need to take care them well both financially and non-financially. Our people are competent and dedicated to the causes of the organisation only if they have appropriate knowledge and align the organisation’s strategy. Training and communication plays critical roles in filling the gaps.

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Do what we are good at. We can’t do everything given our resources are scarce and our skills are limited. We only do or focus on what we are good at so that we can do well and compete for the success. English conversation is central to our product offering.

Our stakeholders are key to ensure our success. We believe our key stakeholders include, but not limited to volunteers, students and competent authorities, are key factors to ensure the success of our organisation. We need to understand them well in order to ensure a high level of satisfaction. Their satisfaction with us is our success. Transparent dealing with our stakeholders is also centred in our operational practice.

I would like to take this opportunity, to express my sincere thanks to our co-founder, Geordie Smith. He is a young and enthusiastic Australian with full dedication to improve people’s lives and development. Without him, there might not be CWF.

My sincere thanks also dedicated to our young and professional staff led by our operations manager, Huy Sambo. I am proud to see the enthusiasm and dedication of our on-the-ground staff. The credit should also go to my fellow board members.

Last but not least, my deep and since thanks is owed to our dedicated volunteer teachers and supporters from across the globe. Your involvement in CWF has made an influential impact on the development of Cambodia. One day, you may recognise one or two or more of your students who’ve take up senior leadership roles in government or civil or business societies and you will feel pride in your achievement. Your involvement with CWF also gives more funding to support the development of Cambodia to a greater context through the activities of CRDT.

These are great contributions, and so, please accept on behalf of the Cambodian people, my kindest regards and respects. However, to ensure that CWF is continuously sustainable, we need to do more and I believe we can do more...together we can make a greater impact.

Mao SavinFounding Director and Chairman

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Message from Huy Sambo: Operational

Manager

It has been a privilege working for a ‘not for profit’ social ethical enterprise as an operational founder and in a senior management role since the school’s inception in 2006.

Owing to the unique model, this has enabled us to successfully complete seventeen semesters within four years and three months. We have trained over 9,000 local students which also included the provision of scholarships to the poor and disabled students. We have provided volunteering opportunities to over 200 international volunteers and they have been able to experience teaching and living in Cambodia. We have helped raise US37,700.00 for the Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT) excluding other donations made directly by volunteers to local students on Koh Pdao Island every time they visited for orientation and also other social donations to the local NGO.

CWF originally started its operations with $10,000.00 which included a personal loan of US5,000 by Geordie Smith, a founding member of CWF from Australia who was sponsored by AusAID VIDA program. The six local staff and three full-time foreign volunteers, Johan, Jake, and Kate and others friends led to the first successful semester in 2006 and then in 2007, CWF was able to pay back the loan and made its first donation to CRDT with amount of $6,800.00.

In 2008, a new initiative, CamTEFL business was formed by a CWF volunteer, Neal Evans, to provide quality teaching training courses and to support the quality of CWF whilst also raising money for CRDT. At the same time, CWF also had its books audited by a financial auditing certified Accounting firm, NAS Co.Ltd for all past years.

Because of the increasing number of volunteers being recruited, the continued support of previous volunteers, popularity among students and support from all key stakeholders, CWF was able to extend it operation by moving the school to a larger building where it can now accommodate over double the number of classes and volunteers, and also allows staff to have their own offices and library for the teachers. From December 2009, we are able to boast the comfort and luxury of air-conditioning in every classroom.

At the end of 2010, based on financial year projection, CWF extended its donation to CRDT

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by US22,000 and also were able to put aside 5 months of cash reserves in order to maintain viability of CWF operations in the future.

Despite all of the above successes and great results, there is always still a major challenge which rests on the continued involvement of international volunteers. CWF relies on this support and August 2009 highlighted the extent of this dependency when the number of applications were low, fewer volunteers led to a reduced number of local students and many classes had to close. However, 2010 has seen an incredible boost the number of applications; three times the amount of interested volunteers in comparison to previous years.

In the coming year, CWF will strategically focus on updating the CWF program and publications, improvements of governance and long term strategic planning. These will enhance CWF’s reputation and will ensure long-term sustainability.

CWF values its staff highly and provides support for domestic, cultural and personal development. Originally, staff focused on developing their work related skills through both internal and external training. Now, after the initial building of work experience over the previous few years, most are now being supported for their tertiary development at university in order to achieve their individual long term goals.

In conclusion, I would like to say thank you to all of our stakeholders, partners, operational staff, Board of Directors, CWF friends, students and especially the volunteers for their invaluable contributions. This not only improves the lives of those in Phnom Penh but extends its reach to the improvement of the livelihoods of local communities, supporting conservation of Cambodia’s natural resources, through the work of the Cambodian Rural Development Team.

If there’s no you, there’s no CWF

Huy SamboCWF Operational Manager

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About the Team:CWF Board Members

and Founders

Mr Mao Savin Chairman to the Board, Cambodian

Savin was born to a large family in a rural village of Prey Veng province. With his determination and commitment to make a difference, Savin gained a scholarship to study at MVU in Prey Veng.

At MVU, Savin became good friends with Geordie and they shared a similar enthusiasm and inspiration, from which they co-founded Conversation With Foreigners (CWF) in 2006. Savin was then appointed to be both the Director of the School and the Chair of the Board of Directors. Currently, Savin is also the Chair of the Board of Directors at CRDT.

Savin graduated from MVU with a Bachelor Degree in Business Management, majoring in Accounting. Since then his professional field has been in finance and management. Savin is currently working as an Investment Officer at ‘Emerging Markets Investments’ and prior to this position, Savin was a consultant with ‘Emerging Markets Consulting’ for almost 3 years.

As a consultant, Savin works for both private sector clients, microfinance institutions and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) and also in private sector development programs, including project and program designs, value chain analysis, export promotion, etc. However, Savin’s determination and enthusiasm continues to flourish as he is currently pursuing a profession in accountancy with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and is working towards a Master of Business at Charles Stuart University.

Mr Geordie Smith Co-founder, Australian

As a volunteer teacher at MVU in Prey Veng, Geordie became good friends with Savin and first began the discussion which would lead to the creation of CWF.

“Setting up and working with everyone at CWF for two years was a wonderful experience. We started CWF to raise money in an ethical way to support CRDT. I like the idea of rural living, but saw that rural Cambodians are unfairly influenced

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by things beyond their control, and I think CRDT’s work gives them skills so they are more able to control their own lives. “

Now working back in Australia, Geordie keeps in regular contact with the CWF team, providing support whenever it is needed

Mr Or Channy CWF Board Member, Cambodian

As one of the founding members of CRDT, Channy was strongly inspired to engage with CWF in support of its missions to raise funds for CRDT’s development and environmental conservation projects.

From his rural background in Kampong Cham, he was given the opportunity to study at MVU in Prey Veng, where he met both Savin and Geordie. Sharing the vision of CWF and leading the sustainable development work through with his friends at CRDT, Channy was extremely motivated to work with his peers to support the common goals of CWF and CRDT; to combine resources, communicate ideas and coordinate activities, in order to ensure the success of both organizations.

Mr Om Seng Bora CWF Board Member, Cambodian

Mr. Om Seng Bora is a professional trainer and consultant with more than 15 years of diversified local and international experience in both commercial and non-commercial entities. His career has spanned a broad range of roles which includes English teacher, university professor, accountant, auditor, internal audit manager, CEO, trainer, consultant, advisor, board member, and entrepreneur.

Mr. Bora served from 2004 to 2009 as CEO of VisionFund Cambodia, one of the leading microfinance institutions locally and internationally with total staff of more than 600 and total assets of close to USD $ 27 million. His previous key positions include Member of the Board of Directors of Cambodia Microfinance Association, Internal Audit Manager for World Vision Cambodia, and Auditor at Ernst & Young. He is deeply passionate about transferring professional and practical life experience to benefit others.

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Mr Adam Starr CWF Board Member, Canadian

Adam Starr has been studying, working and living in Cambodia since 2001. He originally came to Cambodia as a University student completing a BA in International Relations and Development. He now lives and works full-time in Cambodia as a Program Manager with Fauna & Flora International dealing with landscape and species conservation. Adam first became involved with CWF whilst working as the Management Advisor of the Cambodian Rural Development Team and was actively involved when it was established in 2006. Today, he is a member of the Board of Directors for both CWF and CRDT.

Mr Kim Sokheng CWF Board Member, Cambodian

Mr. Khim Sok Heng is a young dynamic leader and has been a professional trainer and director of HEDC International since 2003. During that time Mr. Sok Heng has effectively delivered training in Germany for World Youth Citizens, Scotland - UK and in Cambodia for local and international NGOs including Danish Red Cross, CARE International, World Vision, International Cooperation for Cambodia, American Center for International Labor Solidarity; International and UN Agencies including USAID, AusAid, UNDP; government organizations including Ministry of Cults and Religion, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture; Tertiary institutions including Microfinance Institutions; and the private sectors. He is providing mentoring, training and consulting service to local and international organizations, in particular on Human Development.

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Mr Huy Sambo CWF Manager, Cambodian

Sambo was born in a rural village in Takeo province. His family members were small scale entrepreneurs with a business in rice production. He volunteered for a number of social and business activities and was later given the opportunity to undertake a bachelor degree in Business Administration (BAA), specialising in Accounting, at Maharishi Vedic University in 2006.

Prior to his graduation, he was made the Operations Manager and Board Secretary of CWF. He comments that “It is a great honour to be working with wonderful young professional staff and international volunteers coming from all over the world, as well as helping to develop the livelihood of poor rural Cambodian families and to help preserve natural resources through the Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT)”.

Mrs Hour Sopheap Volunteer Coordinator, Cambodian

Sopheap was born to a large farming family, sharing her house with five other families in her village on an island near Kampong Cham. After finishing high school, Sopheap left her family to continue her education in Phnom Penh. Owing to her willingness and resolve, she was able to study at The Royal University of Phnom Penh where she graduated in 2006 with a major in Computer Science and Information Technology. She had to work part-time for four years as an English teacher to earn enough money to support herself whilst studying.

After graduating, Sopheap soon found her true calling when she started working as CWF’s International Volunteer Recruitment Officer. It became her responsibility to help recruit and look after the CWF volunteers and has done so successfully for almost twenty semesters.

“The best thing about CWF is to experience and learn about international culture and lifestyles. It is an ever-changing experiences and is so interesting because of the range of ages and backgrounds every three months. What I like most is that the staff work as a strong team and I love it when all volunteers are happy. I am proud and I try to to my best to support both volunteers and staff”

About the Team:CWF Executive

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Mak Ny Academic Coordinator, Cambodian

Mak Ny was born in a rural village in Prey Veng province. He also was given the opportunity to study for his Bachelor degree at MVU in Business Administration (BAA), majoring in Accounting. Prior to his degree, Ny gained valuable experience working for ACLEDA bank as a Credit Officer in the Siem Reap branch for 8 months.

Ny began working for CWF in 2006 and became the Administration and Academic Officer in the same year. He arranges the teaching and class schedules, conducts student surveys, provides orientation training to new volunteers, and is responsible for the maintenance of supplies, petty cash and marketing strategy. Ny is particularly enthusiastic to comment that aside from his afore mentioned responsibilities, CWF has also provided him with the opportunity to conduct short courses and workshops on Leadership, Operations, Planning and Controlling.

Sok Channrasmey Admin and Finance Manager, Cambodian

Rasmey was born in Kompong Thom Province and then moved to Prey Veng to study for her Bachelor Degree of Business Administration, majoring in Accounting at MVU. Alongside her degree in early 2006, Rasmey volunteered with an electronic merchandising company, BOON Co Ltd and then as a volunteer with the CANADIA Bank Plc.

Since her graduation in October 2006, Rasmey has been the Admin and Finance Manager for CWF. Her responsibilities include budget planning, financial reporting, daily financial management, bank processing and fixed asset management. Her positive personality ensures that she is able to assist in the supervision and coordination of the CWF team.

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Mr Willem Paling Willem Paling (IT Advisor, Australian)

Willem’s contribution during the establishment of CWF was his advisory role as an IT consultant. His background of web development was integral to the ‘Volunteer in Cambodia’ website which enables the recruitment procedure for international volunteers. The websites’ professionalism has time and again been one of the most significant components for drawing volunteers to the CWF programme.

Willem’s association with CWF was through his volunteer experience at MVU in Prey Veng. Here he met Geordie and Savin and was the IT mentor to CWF Manager Huy Sambo. This friendship between Sambo and Willem has continued to date and regular contact ensures that Willem remains in an informal advisory role with CWF. He is now living in Sydney, Australia, in his final year of his doctoral degree but Cambodia is never far from his thoughts as his thesis investigates the modernisation and development of Phnom Penh in the first decade of the 21st century.

Joan Louise Brookbank Senior Advisor, USA

Joan Louise Brookbank, was a CWF volunteer teacher for two semesters in 2009 and 2010 during a sabbatical from her career as a book publishing executive. She has extensive experience establishing and running the American offices of foreign publishing and distribution companies. She has also worked as a consultant for American firms, specialising in marketing and communications strategies for foreign clients.

Prior to volunteering at CWF, Joan Louise volunteered at ‘A New Day Cambodia’ and worked at ‘WorldKids’. Since leaving Cambodia, Joan Louise continues her involvement with CWF through her consultation and writing services from her home in New York City.

About the Team:CWF Executive Advisory

Committee

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Alice Jowett Senior Advisor, British

In 2006, Alice worked for one year at CWF as a Management Advisor and Organisational Development Officer helping to establish and develop the school in its first year. Alice worked previously in Cambodia as a lecturer at the rural university of MVU in Prey Veng, where she met and formed strong friendships with Sambo and Geordie. She was a lecturer of Human Resource Management after graduating with a degree in Business and Management studies in the UK. Following her time in Prey Veng, Alice travelled and worked professionally, focusing on learning and development in a variety of different countries, but then returned in 2006 to provide her expertise at CWF.Alice has now recently completed an MA in Development Studies and Education in the UK and now plans to spend her career working in development with a strong focus on education and capacity building. Since leaving Cambodia, Alice has continued to offer advice and support as and when required. CWF has done exceptionally well since the early days, and she accredits much of this success to the hard work and commitment of the local full-time staff, as well as the ongoing support of volunteers. For her, it has been a privilege to be involved with the school and as she continues to work in international development and education.

“I hope that I will again be able to work with such a brilliant and friendly team”.

Rod Bourke Senior Adviser, Australian

Rod is now a retired Master Mariner who worked for twenty-six years with The Australian Shipping Commission and twelve years as an operations manager for a service provider to the City of Melbourne. He has also worked with Consultants to Local Government on Competitive Tendering, Project and Contract Management.

Rod originally volunteered with CWF in 2008 and like most was impressed by the programme and the CWF staff. He found that the cultural

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differences between westerners and Khmer could often create uncomfortable and difficult situations for the Khmer staff and so returned to Cambodia January 2009 to help develop important policies to ease some pressure on the staff. During his six months, he worked closely with Sambo on varied tasks including running training sessions for the Management team. Since leaving Cambodia, Rod keeps in close contact with the staff and will continues to return to the school to lend his expertise in any way that he can

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CWF’s impending Fifth Year

Anniversary

In early 2010, CWF was able to relocate to a larger school building and this doubled the number of classrooms and potential students. It also enabled staff and volunteers to have their own workspaces and the added comfort of air conditioning throughout the building is a fantastic reward for continued efforts and hard work.This success has enabled CWF to hire additional local staff, to work for the organization, thus bringing the total number of employees to 16. Also at CWF, we are devel-oping the international volunteer experience, providing additional opportunities whilst work-ing and living in Phnom Penh. These include field trips and placements at local orphanages. Ultimately, one of the most significant success-es for CWF is that the school is able to in-crease the funding support for CRDT’s alterna-tive livelihood projects and therefore indirectly reduce poverty and improve natural resource management in North East Cambodia. In the coming year, CWF will strategically fo-cus on program updates, improvements of gov-ernance, and devise a five year strategic plan. These will enhance CWF’s reputation and ensure long term sustainability of the school. All of the above results and our continued suc-cesses could not have been achieved without the strong and dedicated support from the CWF team, partners, stakeholders, the Board of Directors, students and both past and pre-sent volunteers. We are very grateful for all your invaluable support in assisting the devel-opment of Cambodian human resources, al-lowing the opportunity to provide high-quality conversational English courses, in addition to raising funds for the Cambodian Rural Devel-opment Team (CRDT). We, the management team, staff and Board of Directors, promise to keep true to our commit-ments and employ the best practice to accom-plish even greater results in the years to come with your ongoing support. We wish everyone prosperity, success and good health. Sincerely Yours,

Sambo and the CWF Team

In September of 2011, CWF will celebrate its Fifth Year Anniversary.

Since CWF’s inception in August 2006, the strong motivation,

expertise and hard work of the team resulted in the rapid

growth of the organisation. The remarkable transformation from

its small scale operation and three volunteers, to hosting over 200 volunteers and 9,000 students,

would not be possible without this incredible team of determined

individuals.

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The recruitment process has been successful each year, with the exception of one semester in August 2009 where we experienced a very low interest of volunteers. This was due to external factors rather than a lack of internal promotion, as in semester August 2010, we had the highest ever volume of interest and were able to recruit 18 full-time volunteers and 2 part-time volunteers.

Over 222 volunteers have taught at CWF and over 35 of these continued to become teachers employed at private language schools in Cambodia. These previous volunteers still help casually or in an advisory role at our school, as friendships between volunteers and staff are important components of the CWF experience. CWF volunteers have an extremely enjoyable experience during their time volunteering and return with good reports for friends and family. Even the volunteers who go back to their country after they’ve finished teaching, still give us support by spreading the name of CWF and maintain a relationship with both the staff and their students.

The volunteer house is continually improved each semester. During the first semester, we only had three volunteers living there. Amenities at this time included a washing machine and mosquito nets, however, now volunteers have all almost everything they could need for a comfortable three months; a fridge, hot and cold water machine, a computer, a printer, wireless internet connection, a chafing dish to keep the food warm and improved bathroom facilities. The landlord has recently provided a rooftop area so now it is such a relaxing and cool space for volunteers and staff to meet and socialise.

Review: Volunteer

Department - Hour Sopheap

The volunteer department is responsible for recruiting

and supporting international volunteers for living and working in Phnom Penh.

The volunteer experience is diverse and enriching; it involves excursions, picnics, traditional celebrations, wedding invitations and so much more. The Volunteer department continues to update and expand owing to volunteer requests or suggestions and more detail is included in the social and cultural section and can also be followed on our blog: www.infocwf.blogspot.com

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Conversations With Foreigners (CWF) was originally funded by a $5,000 private donation and from a $5,000 personal loan. By April 2007, CWF was able to start repaying the personal loan, and by April 2008, this loan had been fully repaid. By the start of 2008, CWF was able to make its first donation to CRDT.

Each semester, with the exception of the semester 1 and 13, CWF are able to make a profit. This revenue stream is dependant upon student numbers, and has therefore steadily increased in conjunction with the increasing number of volunteers; more classes become available

In the initial semesters, operational costs for the volunteer’s house and school remained high as we aimed improved facilities from the very basic to an acceptable standard. In addition, our social responsibility was to provide a living wage to our staff, and by May 2007, we were able to provide welfare benefits such as insurance to the employment package. These initial expenses resulted in a low profit and limited the amount of money that we could contribute to CRDT. However, since December 2008, extra expenditures had stabilized and student numbers were consistently high. As a result the donations to CRDT have consistently grown.

Our next big challenge at CWF was to find bigger premises for the school which would enable the accommodation of an increased number of both volunteers and students and thus result in improved revenue. In December 2009, the school was relocated to a larger facility and we once again had an increased operating cost associated with the set up of this new building. By mid 2009, operational outgoings had once again stabilised and the percentage of profit return on income had returned to an acceptable level.

Consequently, in 2010, CWF was able to extend its donation to CRDT by donating $US22,000 to help ensure its long term financial sustainability. CWF have also allocated five months of cash reserve for operational expenses in the event of a low semester similar to that of semester 13.

All financial reporting in this department is independently audited by NAS Co,.Ltd.

Review: Admin and

Finance Department

- Sok Channrasmey

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From our humble beginnings in 2006, when CWF began with 180 students and 18 classes, it has now had over 9000 students registered with the school and conducted more than 700 classes over 4 years and 18 semesters. This is truly an incredible achievement.

Through the effective marketing campaigns, word of mouth, leaflets drops, website exposure (www.volunteerincambodia.org), and even door to door canvassing, the profile and reputation of the school has assured its success for the future.

The quality and standard of students is initially assessed through a testing process before the beginning of each semester. Once students are enrolled they are then allocated to different levels; this enables them to receive teaching at a comfortable level of understanding, but also encourages and pushes the students to improve. There are continued assessments half-way through the term and student feedback, student surveys and discussions with their teachers ensures that all students remain on steady course; provided with an environment to address any difficulties which may arise.

The quality of teaching has improved considerably since CWF’s inception. With improved facilities at the new school, teachers now have access to an extensive library, larger classrooms, a preparation room, internet access, and the comfort of air-conditioning. This environment is also more suitable for students to study and as a result there are an increasing number of returning students wishing to complete all levels at CWF.

Review: Academic

Department - Mak Ny

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Srey Pov (Staff)

Srey Pov is 21 years old and has been the chef at the Volunteer House since early 2008. She was originally born in Kampong Thom province, but tragically orphaned at an early age. She was then raised by her adopted parents on their farm in Kampong Thom, growing up with her three sisters and two brothers.

CWF have a policy of identifying and helping poor, aspiring Cambodians in the province. Sopheap, the Volunteer Co-ordinator, identified Srey Pov as a potential member of the CWF team and now she has been working in Phnom Penh for three years, very happy with her job. Similar to many Cambodians working away from home, she tries to the best of her ability to support her family with her CWF salary.

CWF provide English language training at the school and being surrounded daily by international volunteers, Srey Pov’s English is fast improving. Her culinary flair keeps all the volunteers pleased, a firm favorite being her exceptional Khmer curry!

Soriya (CWF Assistant Volunteer coordinator)

Soriya is 25 years old and was raised in Kampong Cham Province, working hard on her family’s farm. She went to work with her sister in Thailand for one year and then returned to find that the only way to help support her family was working at a garment factory in the province. For two years she worked long and demanding hours, but then was given the opportunity to work with CWF.

When Soriya first came to CWF in late 2007, she was employed as a cleaner with very little English, but Sopheap could see the potential and spark in Soriya’s personality. Within three months, her English had improved exponentially, becoming close friends with the volunteers and helping to solve any problems which arose at the volunteer house. Soriya’s strong command of the English language has led to her promotion at CWF to be the Assistant Volunteer Coordinator.

Soriya’s ambition is endless and her enthusiasm and strong personality will ensure success in whatever she commits her mind to. The opportunity and experience provided by CWF highlights the importance of the school; it not only raises funds to support rural development but also provides incredible opportunities for individuals to fulfill their dreams and ambitions. In the future, Soriya aspires to travel internationally and hopes that one day she can visit

Social/Cultural

Activities and Human

Resource Development

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her new friends spread across the world.

“the best thing about working for CWF has been the experience to work with different people and to also improve myself”

Kan Ken (CWF Finance and Administration Assistant)

Kan Ken is 25 years old, and from Takeo province. He comes from a rice farming family of 12. After graduating from High School, he worked for his brother who is a contractor for a Chayday (small pagoda) in Takeo Province.

Soon after his graduation from High School, has was given the opportunity to work as a security guard at CWF. Whilst working as a security guard, Kan studied hard, both at English and Finance. Now he has a very good command of the English language and as a result of his hard work and dedication, Kan Ken is now the Finance and Administration Assistant for the school.

Kan enjoys working for CWF because it has given him opportunities that he would otherwise have been denied. He is strongly supportive of CWF’s vision to help rural and isolated villages in rural Cambodia through the work of CRDT.

Kan is now studying for his Bachelor degree and his enthusiasm comes alive enjoys at the thought of future plans: “I would like to travel; my favorite destination would be Australia.”

Chay Sinath (Former CWF Student)

Sinath is 26 years old and is originally from Pursat province. His father originally worked for the Ministry of Commerce but is now retired. He has a brother and sister who grow rice on the family farm in Pursat.

Sinath is a former student who now works as an Accounting Officer for a respected insurance company. He first learned about CWF when he was passing the school and was interested by its name. He decided to enrol at CWF in 2007 because he admired the professionalism of the CWF staff and did not for one second regret this decision.

Sinath enjoyed the teaching environment and was impressed with the fact that his money was going towards the development of rural Cambodia. Coming from a rural background he understood the importance of providing funds to a local Cambodian

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NGO who understood the best ways in which to improve the lives villagers in some of the poorest areas of Cambodia.

He was able to apply for his current job because of his proficiency in English and now he earns a good wage in which he can support his family back in Pursat province. Through his job he is excited at the possibility to travel to Vietnam and one day even Singapore and Malaysia.

Sarah French (Past and Present Volunteer)

Sarah is 26 years old and from Boston, USA. Sarah has a degree in Visual Arts and has worked in Art Museums in the USA.

Before coming to Cambodia, Sarah gained her TEFL certificate in Boston and then briefly taught in northern India near the Tibetan border. Sarah decided to come to Cambodia to dedicate her time to a country which has experienced great suffering in recent history.

Sarah enjoys volunteering at CWF and is now in her third semester! She originally lived at the Volunteer House and enjoyed the social atmosphere provided by the house. Now, she lives close to the school and is highly involved with assisting the school as an adviser and designing the images for the new course book.

Neal Evans (CamTEFL Founder)

Neal Evans was instrumental is setting up the CamTefl programme in association with CWF. The history of the programme is indicative of its success as outlined below.

“My first contact with the CWF programme was as a volunteer teacher. I enjoyed the project immensely and the more I learned of the different aspects of the entire operation and worked with the people running the project the more convinced I was of the value of contributing in this way.

After volunteering for 3 months at CWF, I found the project to be worthwhile on many levels. I especially loved the community feel, the enthusiastic environment in which to learn English and the long term opportunities for the staff. What was also important was that the enterprise raised money for the sustainable development projects run through the Cambodian Rural Development Team in the

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provinces; the best bit was that volunteers were not directly working with the vulnerable Cambodian communities but instead their endeavors raised funds to support local and experienced Cambodian graduates.

By setting up the CamTEFL, the aim was to offer more support to volunteer teachers. To volunteers who may want more confidence before teaching or to those who loved teaching at CWF and wanted to develop further. CamTEFL also aimed to impact positively in the wider English teaching environment and be part of attempts to raise educational standards. After 18 months CamTEFL was generating sufficient funds to be self sufficient. It trained about 50 teachers of whom 20 taught at CWF. It developed a local training programme CamPRETEFL which was bought by the Australian Embassy for Cambodian Teachers at the National Defence Institute. CamTEFL participated twice at CamTESOL and was accredited through the College of Teachers in London, the only TEFL programme in Cambodia to have been awarded reputable international accreditation.

However, this was brought to an abrupt end when I had to fly home for family reasons. My sister died suddenly and I could no longer live in Cambodia and commit my energies. The programmme has been dormant for a year but could be easily resurrected by a suitably qualified, experienced and energetic trainer. “

“CWF is a fantastic and genuine project that works and from someone who has been involved in the TEFL industry, I know how rare that is.”

Poor/Disabled Program

CWF fosters a program to encourage and nurture poor and disabled students in Phnom Penh. Since the school’s inception in 2006, CWF has awarded scholarships to 205 students. These students learn about CWF from many different sources, predominantly however via word of mouth and other reputable NGO’s.

All students have the opportunity to study at CWF, regardless of provincial homelands, disabilities, or family income. The scholarship itself, is 50% funded by a sponsor NGO or private individual (previous examples include World Vision or the student or their family) and then CWF funds the final 50%. Additionally, some full scholarships have been awarded where CWF covers 100% of the costs.

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Volunteer Excursions

During break in semester, CWF volunteers, staff and students went on the trip to Kirirom National Park. It was a friendly atmosphere, and both staff and students had an enjoyable time exploring the beautiful natural forest and waterfall during rainy season when the colours were most vibrant.

Excursions also included going to ‘Oodong’ during the Religious festival of Pchum Ben in 210. Three tuk tuks ventured the 30km journey where volunteers were able to enjoy the view and offer food to the monks.

Aside from volunteering at CWF, volunteers also engaging themselves around their communities supported orphanage program. They contributed learning facilities, played games and taught them English.

Each semester volunteers are also able to visit one of the Cambodian Rural Development Team’s Project sites in rural Cambodia. This is such an awakening experience as amenities are in short supply but is remembered in years to come.

I met some great people, both Khmer and other volunteers, whom I still keep in contact with. The opportunities to participate in local Khmer cultural activities were beyond compare, it was only through my volunteering that I was able to experience these things”

Stephanie (23) Semester 11

“The work was challenging but really interesting. The school was very welcoming. The students were great. It was great living so close to the school so that travel wasn’t an issue. There were plenty of resource books at the volunteer house and internet access was easy”

Anne (52) Australian, Semester 11

“My experience with CRDT was wonderful. I enjoyed visiting Kratie Town and learning more about CRDT. Visiting Koh Pdao is a memory I’ll never forget because it was so different from my usual daily routine. I loved the pace of life and the generosity of the villagers. Seeing the projects was a great motivation for me as a teacher. I felt like I could see how my work at CWF was benefiting the people in Koh Pdao”

Jena, (23), Semester 15

“Volunteering with CWF gave me the opportunity to learn about Cambodian culture and the people. I have made many close friends with the students and the school staff. The students are all eager to learn to speak the English language. The school staff have made me feel at home and are flexible and willing to assist as needed. I admire the objective of CWF to give back to the community. I have enjoyed my ten months time here and I am certain that I will come back and volunteer again in the near future”

Violet, Semester 7

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Financial Review:

2006-2009 Income Statement for Year Ended 31 December 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006

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Balance Sheet

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Balance Sheet

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Partnership Cambodian Rural Development Team

The Cambodian Rural Development Team is a local NGO undertaking community development and natural resource management projects throughout the North East of Cambodia. The team’s vision is for “A Cambodia free of poverty and environmental degradation” and to improve food security, incomes, and living standards of subsistence rural communities in support of environmental conservation throughout Cambodia.

Founded in 2001 as a voluntary university-student initiative, the strong motivation, high technical expertise and hard work of the team resulted in the rapid growth of the organisation. Through securing partnerships with large international organisations, CRDT changed from implementing one-off projects, to sustained integrated programmes covering a variety of livelihood, natural resource management, and community development components in order to raise living standards and contribute to environmental conservation. CRDT was registered with the Ministry of Interior as a local NGO in 2005. All of the original founding members of the organisation are still involved in the organisation’s management and governance.

CRDT has high technical expertise and extensive experience in environmentally appropriate agricultural development, increasing food security, supporting market linkage and income generation, natural resource management, non-timber forest products, water and sanitation, renewable energy technologies, eco-tourism and community empowerment. Since 2004, CRDT have been working in collaboration with international and local conservation organisations, as well as a wide range of government agencies, to deliver rural development in support of conservation in some of North East Cambodia’s most critical hotspots for biodiversity. In Kratie and Stung Treng, interventions have contributed to the conservation of critically endangered Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins, the protection of tropical forest biodiversity in Mondulkiri, and the reduction of natural resource exploitation in remote southern Kratie

CRDT is a relatively young organisation and since its inception it has developed both management

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and operational capacities exponentially. Now CRDT has fully operational organisational and financial policies, performs an annual audit, has effective processes for monitoring and evaluation and has strong administration systems. A management restructure was implemented in early 2009, in order to develop the management capacities of field teams and to invest in and empower local staff. Building on this, CRDT developed an organisational strategy for the period 2010-5.

CRDT have a unique five year implementation strategy and works in areas rich in biodiversity and critical sites for conservation. CRDT’s organisational strategy has prioritised the North Eastern Region. Within this target region, priority areas are identified in collaboration with our international conservation partners WWF and WCS. In terms of selecting villages within the target areas, and beneficiaries within villages, CRDT has always had the clear goal to support the remote rural poor, especially those most vulnerable and therefore those most likely to be engaging in unsustainable exploitation.

MVU University in Prey Veng Province was the home of both CWF and CRDT. The founding members met through their common goals and objectives. Despite these two organisations following their own paths, communication and understanding was secured through the close friendships among the management teams. Additionally, the close cooperation is enhanced through Channy, Savin and Adam Starr being members of the Board Committee for both organisations. This strong bond between CRDT and CWF has grown dramatically between 2006 and 2010, with more than $37,700 donated from CWF in support of CRDT activities. Each year brings a greater success, increasing funds and a stronger partnership; CWF-CRDT’s unique model is a lifeline for this local NGO and also for these communities in which CRDT are working. The funds raised by CWF go towards helping the beneficiaries work closely with the CRDT staff. The majority of donors do not pay for overhead costs, and so the invaluable contribution pays for the transportation of materials and field staff to these isolated villages and communities. It also pays for the maintenance of the field offices and to CRDT’s core funds which can then be utilised to help individual families who are struggling to support themselves.

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Cambodia Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS)

CWF is part of Non Formal Education program (NFE) governed by MoEYS of Cambodia government. NFE assists in the creation of human resources in order to achieve national goals of peace, sustainable poverty reduction, economic growth and social equality

CWF was accredited by municipal of Phnom Penh department of Education, Youth and Sport in since its inception in August 2006.

AusAID/ViDA

The VIDA (Volunteering for International Development from Australia) program is funded by AusAID, the Australian Government agency responsible for managing Australia’s overseas aid program.

The VIDA Program places skilled Australian volunteers in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region in line with Australian Government development priorities and the Millennium Development Goals. VIDA volunteers work with local counterparts to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development results in the communities in which they work through skills and knowledge exchange, institutional strengthening and capacity building.

CWF was initially supported by ViDA in 2006; ViDA placed two expert Australian volunteers, Geordie Smith and Sally Beaumont, who worked to help instigate the organization and build the capacity of the local staff.

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Global Volunteer Network

The Global Volunteer Network is a non-profit organization which places volunteers in community projects worldwide. Placements are available in 22 countries throughout South America, Africa and Asia. Conversations With Foreigners is one of the placements within this network and therefore provides the school with another source from which potential volunteers can learn about the opportunities at CWF.

Currently, 34 CWF volunteers have found their placement through the Global Volunteer Network

The Volunteers

Final thanks must be given to the 224 volunteers, from 23 different countries, who have come to volunteer their time at the CWF School in Phnom Penh. This would not have been possible without your time and dedication. Please remember to keep in touch and your impact continues to resound, in the hearts of the students you taught, the friends that you made and the in the memories you shared.